Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Aircraft topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Martin "Philippine Mars" seaplane landed at Lake Pleasant for decommissioning; Supervisor Lesko tours aircraft
Summary
A Martin ‘‘Philippine Mars’’ World War II-era seaplane was landed at Lake Pleasant in Maricopa County to be disassembled and transported to the Pima Air and Space Museum. District 4 Supervisor Debbie Lesko toured the aircraft; the decommissioning and removal process is expected to take about 40 days.
The Martin "Philippine Mars," one of seven flying boats built during World War II, was landed at Lake Pleasant in Maricopa County to be disassembled and moved to the Pima Air and Space Museum, according to a recorded account of the event. District 4 Supervisor Debbie Lesko toured the aircraft during the decommissioning process.
The aircraft, built in 1944, flew from British Columbia to Lake Pleasant so owner Colson Aviation could wheel it ashore and begin disassembly. Organizers chose Lake Pleasant because it has a large boat ramp capable of accommodating the seaplane for removal. Decommissioning work is expected to take about 40 days before the plane is transported to the Pima Air and Space Museum for preservation and display.
The Martin "Philippine Mars" is a rare aircraft; the recorded account stated it is one of seven built by the Martin Company. Colson Aviation coordinated the landing and the start of the decommissioning process. County officials and observers were on site as the plane was prepared for transport to the museum.
District 4 Supervisor Debbie Lesko, whose father served in World War II, toured the aircraft during the site work and described the event as an honor for her and for Maricopa County. A person on site described the arrival as notable, saying, "It was quite a sight seeing her arrive." The recorded account also noted the seaplane was chosen to be landed at Lake Pleasant so it could be wheeled up a 10-lane boat ramp for disassembly.
Organizers plan to disassemble the aircraft at Lake Pleasant and then move pieces to the Pima Air and Space Museum; the recorded account gave no further details on transport logistics, capitalization, or the precise timetable beyond the estimated 40-day disassembly window.
The landing, decommissioning and transfer of the Martin "Philippine Mars" is of interest to aviation enthusiasts and veterans’ communities because of the aircraft’s age, rarity and connection to World War II history. Officials and museum staff will manage the next steps for transport and preservation.
